• About
  • Travel Planning Services
  • Blog
    • Stories of People & Poetry
Global Heartbeat Travel

travel that speaks to the heart

MENU
  • Contact
  • Work with Me
    • Partners and Sponsors

September 29, 2016 By Hailey

Canyoning in Switzerland

Attention thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies! I’ve just found you a little slice of paradise…

Canyoning in the Swiss Alps!

Canyoning involves following a rushing river through mountain gorges, where you jump, slide, and scramble your way from entry to exit point. It’s fun, challenging, and one of the coolest activities in the Swiss Alps – literally!

grimsel_canyoning_interlaken_switzerland-74

As I’ve shared before in this post, the Bernese Oberland is an outdoor wonderland at all times of year, and I love it especially in the summer months. From miles of hiking trails to perfect air for paragliding, from scenic train rides to rushing waterfalls, the Bernese Oberland is loaded with captivating activities – and Interlaken is the launching pad for all the mountain fun. When two good friends from Orlando said they were coming to visit Justin and me in Zurich, I knew it was time for a canyoning adventure in this dreamy landscape.

I booked our canyoning trip with Outdoor Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s leading outdoor sports companies that offers several different canyoning experiences. I selected their intermediate course, Canyoning Grimsel:

Set on a mountain pass, the Grimsel trip starts with a heart-pumping 50m rappel. Filled with amazing jumps, slides and a zipline into the crystal clear pools, this majestic alpine environment has plenty to offer. The pale-coloured rock formations in this canyon add to the stunning mountain scenery.

“Stunning mountain scenery” is right. It’s absolutely gorgeous! Snow lingers on the mountain heights, a picturesque backdrop above the gorge. When your adventure starts with this view, how can you not be excited?!?

grimsel_canyoning_interlaken_switzerland-11

Getting through Grimsel canyon begins with getting into Grimsel canyon…
which is done by rappelling down a vertical slab of granite – like so:

Once down in the canyon, it’s time to get wet! The first jump into that freezing cold water really takes your breath away. And that’s when you become thankful for your wetsuit.

grimsel_canyoning_interlaken_switzerland-37

For the next hour and a half, you scramble over boulders, slide down smooth boulders into pools, jump off of cliffs, and even drop from a zip line.

Canyoning is such a fun and unique outdoor activity, and I can’t recommend it enough. Yet, you may have a lot of questions about it before signing up for this mountain adventure. I came up with a list of the questions my team and I were asking ourselves before taking the plunge, and I’ve answered them according to our canyoning experience with Outdoor Interlaken.

CANYONING IN SWITZERLAND – FAQS

When is canyoning season?
In Switzerland, canyoning season starts in May, and it usually goes to the end of September. The activity is sustained by the snow melt and some courses are dependent upon weather conditions, which is why there are no set dates for the season. If you are planning on canyoning in Switzerland, call in advance to make sure your desired course is open.

Is it safe?
In general, canyoning with an experienced outdoor company is a medium-risk activity. The guides are trained professionals who work to keep you safe. They give instructions every step of the way so you know what to expect. The biggest danger, guides warn, is from falling rocks (hence the helmets) or a misstep as you clamber over the rocks. If you follow their lead and exercise caution, you have little to worry about.

grimsel_canyoning_interlaken_switzerland-31

How physical is this activity?
Canyoning is a full body experience. With rappels, jumps, climbs, and slides, you need to be in good physical condition to go. With that being said, you don’t have to be super athletic to make it through. Most likely, you’ll wake up the next morning with a few bumps and bruises no matter your skill level.

What if I’m afraid of heights?
Grimsel has some challenging elements for folks who have a fear of heights, such as rappelling 50 meters down into the gorge and a few big jumps. On my trip, some people were notably scared by some of the obstacles, but Team Spirit prevailed and everyone managed to complete the course.

grimsel_canyoning_interlaken_switzerland-55

Of course, jumping from the highest cliff was reserved for the daring. And it should come as no surprise that my husband, Mr. Mountain Goat, was the first to leap from the cliff. I chose to follow suit :)

grimsel_canyoning_interlaken_switzerland-61

Is canyoning a family-friendly activity?
I think parents of teens could score some major points by doing this awesome adventure together. Canyoning is actually quite a bonding experience. Outdoor Interlaken requires participants to be 14 or older.

What gear is provided?
Outdoor Interlaken provides all the necessary canyoning equipment (full wetsuit, booties, helmet, harness). You get your gear at the Base Shop in town, load it in the trailer, and suit up in a field below the canyon.

So, what do I bring with me?
Outdoor Interlaken says to bring your “swimsuit, towel, small day bag, money for video and souvenirs.” I recommend that you wear your bathing suit under your clothes. You’ll change into your wetsuit out in the open. Also, I suggest wearing flip-flops or sandals to make it easier to get in and out of your gear, which can be a little challenging…

grimsel_canyoning_interlaken_switzerland-8

It’s an hour ride from Interlaken to Grimsel Canyon. So, if you didn’t have a hearty meal before setting out for your trip, you may want to bring something to nibble on along the way. Outdoor Interlaken set out a nice spread of fresh bread, local cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers – plus water and beer – for the group to enjoy after exiting the canyon.

Is canyoning for me?
While I can’t answer that question for you, I can say that my first trip canyoning was a dream come true. I had a blast, as did Justin and our Orlando buddies. We haven’t stopped talking about it since, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat!

grimsel_canyoning_interlaken_switzerland-105

I want to give a big shout out and thank you to Outdoor Interlaken, whose stellar staff invited me to join on their Canyoning Grimsel excursion and provided all the photography and videos for my first canyoning adventure. Make sure to check out all the other rad adventures Outdoor Interlaken has to offer on their website, Facebook and Twitter.

Hey Wild Ones! Have you ever been canyoning? Would you give it a try while on vacation? Is this activity outside of your comfort zone? Do you have any more Swiss mountain adventures you can recommend?

Postcards from Hailey
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )
Get helpful tips, exclusive insights, and updates on my latest travels - just every once in a while! Also, when you subscribe, you'll receive my lookbook "The Best of Switzerland" for free :) So, what are you waiting for? Continue the adventure and join my travel team today!
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.
Tweet
Share on Tumblr

Related

Comments

  1. Amanda S says

    January 22, 2018 at 9:39 pm

    Hey,
    Did you feel the intermediate canyoning was enough? I am torn between the intermediate and Chili schliere one?

    Reply
    • Hailey says

      January 23, 2018 at 4:15 pm

      Hi Amanda!
      If you regularly participate in adventure activities like canyoning and you don’t have a fear of heights, then I would say go for the Chili Schliere trip. It looks awesome, and I really want to do it after canyoning in Grimsel. However, if the idea of jumping off rocks and repelling in precarious situations makes you nervous, stick with the Grimsel trip and I’m sure you’ll still have a great time. Outdoor Interlaken is a fantastic company, and they take care of you!
      (let me know which one you end up doing!)
      Best wishes,
      Hailey

      Reply
  2. Jenn Domeck says

    October 17, 2016 at 7:50 pm

    Wowwweeeee! That looks like so much fun!!! I loved seeing Flying Hailey! But, I must admit, I’m glad that I saw the adventure in this most-excellent post, as opposed to hearing it from you and Justin on the phone Sunday…I would probably have been horrified!

    Reply
  3. Mike says

    September 29, 2016 at 3:46 pm

    This looks awesome! Definitely, something I’ll try when I’m in Interlaken. Thanks for the detailed guide Hailey!

    Reply
    • Hailey says

      September 29, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      You are most welcome, Mike :)

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hailey Domeck is a Southern girl with a Spanish heart and Swiss soul.

As a wife, mom, and travel addict, her love for mountains, fairy-tales, and great food keep her mind and heart always on the lookout for the next great adventure.

♥ Connect with Me ♥



💫 2020 - not about travel; all about family. 💫

#littleAlpenRose #WaveyBow
For me, this year was all about #motherhood - the For me, this year was all about #motherhood - the beauty of growing a child in the womb and then nurturing a precious newborn around the clock; the wild roller coaster of shepherding a toddler, whose contagious joy and  stubborn defiance make each day a challenge and a gift; the mundane tasks that help make a home feel warm and welcoming; and a bunch of other things. 

.
.
.
#littleAlpenRose #WaveyBow
📷: @whitneykeilman
Merry Christmas, y’all! 🤍 No matter your circ Merry Christmas, y’all! 🤍 No matter your circumstances, may you experience JOY in this holiday season and have HOPE  for a brighter year ahead. 

.
.
.
#littleAlpenRose #WaveyBow 

📷: @whitneykeilman
• T H A N K F U L • We are saying thanks for • T H A N K F U L • 

We are saying thanks for all things in life this week. It’s so easy to get stuck on either the big picture or the tiny details, but I believe it’s important to take it all in - like I did on this ridge overlooking #Manang Village last year while trekking the #AnnapurnaCircuit in #Nepal. 

Creating a culture of gratitude takes intentionality and discipline... and it’s especially not easy when babies and toddlers demand so much of you at all hours of the day and night. Yet, here we are at the start of the holiday season, and I’m choosing to be grateful for the whole lot. 

What are you thankful for this year?
Hooray, it’s the weekend! 🥳 I don’t have a Hooray, it’s the weekend! 🥳

I don’t have any big plans today (#newbornlife), but I’m recalling the joy of “Heidi Hailey” in the Himalayas last November. ☺️ Shout out to @thatdutchieguy for bringing his Polaroid camera on our #CreateConnectNepal journey... what a fun way to capture special moments, - like my favorite stretch of the #AnnapurnaCircuit in the #Manang District ❣️

What are you up to this weekend?
As I sit here nursing an 8-week old babe, it’s j As I sit here nursing an 8-week old babe, it’s just wild to me that on this date exactly one year ago, I was walking among giants and completed the most difficult hike of my life. 

On November 11, 2019, the #CreateConnectNepal team and I went up and over the Thorong La Pass. At 17,769 feet (5416m), this is the pinnacle of the Annapurna Circuit and one of the highest mountain passes in the world. The day began in the dark with a grueling 4+ hour ascent through snow-kissed trails and then required a fierce descent down a bone dry valley. It demanded everything of me. 

Yet, that day up and over Thorong La was just one part of my epic adventure in #Nepal last November. I am eternally grateful for that experience and cherish those memories dearly. I also miss those people a lot. ❣️
Follow on Instagram

  • Popular
  • Comments
  • Latest
  • Today Week Month All
  • 7 Things to Do in Zurich in Winter 7 Things to Do in Zurich in Winter
  • Hiking in Zermatt: 3 Scenic Trails You Don’t Want to Miss Hiking in Zermatt: 3 Scenic Trails You Don't Want to Miss
  • To the Top of Pilatus To the Top of Pilatus
  • The Best Fondue Restaurants in Zurich The Best Fondue Restaurants in Zurich
  • 6 Fun Things To Do At The Zurich Airport 6 Fun Things To Do At The Zurich Airport
  • 3 Questions to Ask Before Travel Planning 3 Questions to Ask Before Travel Planning
  • Reset & Ready: An Update from the Swiss Family Domeck Reset & Ready: An Update from the Swiss Family Domeck
  • An Open Letter to My NEWEST Newborn Daughter An Open Letter to My NEWEST Newborn Daughter
  • The Don CeSar: Highlights from Our Stay at the Pink Palace of Florida The Don CeSar: Highlights from Our Stay at the Pink Palace of Florida
  • 7 Tips For Planning A Trip to Nepal 7 Tips For Planning A Trip to Nepal
  • Today Week Month All
  • Sorry. No data yet.
Ajax spinner

Tags

adventure travel art & culture beach trip expat life family travel festivals & holidays food & drink hiking Munich Orlando Paris people & poetry Photography product reviews reflections road trips Sicily summer travel tiny country spotlight travel tips winter travel Zermatt Zurich

Recent Posts

  • 3 Questions to Ask Before Travel Planning
  • Reset & Ready: An Update from the Swiss Family Domeck
  • An Open Letter to My NEWEST Newborn Daughter
  • The Don CeSar: Highlights from Our Stay at the Pink Palace of Florida
  • 7 Tips For Planning A Trip to Nepal

 

DISCLAIMER POLICY

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE “POSTCARDS FROM HAILEY”

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn

Discover Stories

adventure travel art & culture beach trip expat life family travel festivals & holidays food & drink hiking Munich Orlando Paris people & poetry Photography product reviews reflections road trips Sicily summer travel tiny country spotlight travel tips winter travel Zermatt Zurich

Global Heartbeat Travel

Copyright © 2023 Global Heartbeat Travel travel that speaks to the heart

 

Loading Comments...